We only spent a short
time in Caraz but it is a lively little down significantly further
down the main valley than Huaraz and also quite a bit lower in
altitude. It wasn't much affected by the big earthquake of 1970 so
is much more traditional looking place than Huaraz.

We stayed at the Hostal Chavin for
S/20 per person. It was clean and moderately comfortable and very
convenient being just off the main square. We arrived very
fortuitously just at the start of the biggest national fiesta which
lasts about a week and were treated to an impressive firework
display mounted on two precariously flimsy looking bamboo
structures.